User manual for "ELD Target"

ELECTRONIC LOGGING DEVICE

Technical Specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
REVISED

Prepared by:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590

September 2017

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Table of Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 3
ELD Systems .................................................................................................................................................. 4
Functional Specifications .............................................................................................................................. 4
User Accounts ........................................................................................................................................... 4
Exempt Driving Status ............................................................................................................................... 4
Unidentified Driver Account ..................................................................................................................... 5
Powering On/Sensing.................................................................................................................................... 6
Data Recording.............................................................................................................................................. 8
Malfunctions ............................................................................................................................................. 9
Driver Edits ................................................................................................................................................ 9
Duty Status Categories ............................................................................................................................ 10
Yard Moves ............................................................................................................................................. 11
Display and Print Requirement ................................................................................................................... 12
Data Transfer .............................................................................................................................................. 14
ELD Output File ....................................................................................................................................... 15
Data Transfer Methods ........................................................................................................................... 15
Data Transfer/Connectivity Issues .......................................................................................................... 16
Registration and Self-Certification .............................................................................................................. 17
Removal Process ..................................................................................................................................... 18

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Introduction
The following questions and answers are intended to aid manufacturers of electronic logging devices
(ELDs) in providing devices to motor carriers that are fully functional and in compliance with the ELD
Rule. The questions were submitted by attendees of the Electronic Logging Device Technical
Specifications Public Meeting, which FMCSA hosted on May 9, 2017.
The first edition of ELD Technical Specifications Frequently Asked Questions was released in August
2017. This edition includes all previously answered questions, as well as additional questions and
answers.
If you have additional questions not covered in this document, please send them to [email protected].

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ELD Systems
What is an ELD system? What is an ELD support system?
For clarity, an ELD system will be referred to as an ELD. The ELD includes all components required to
record, retain, and transfer data. The ELD must be capable of maintaining ELD records for at least six
months from the date of receipt of the record, including edited and original records. Whereas the ELD
Support System refers to the central support system through which carriers manage and store records
separate from the device. The ELD support system is not a required system.
How can a driver edit their ELD data after leaving the vehicle?
While not required, the motor carrier can include an ELD support system that allows drivers to make
edits to ELD data when away from the ELD. Otherwise, the driver must return to the ELD and make
edits.
Can an ELD system be mobile (e.g., an app on a smartphone or tablet)?
Yes, the rule does allow for the use of a mobile device (commonly called a portable or handheld unit).
Apps are allowed to be ELDs as long as they have connectivity to the electronic control module (ECM)
bus for the required data and meet all the technical specs.

Functional Specifications
User Accounts
Can a driver have more than one user account?
An ELD must not allow creation of more than one driver account associated with a drivers license for a
given motor carrier.
In the case of owner-operator, the same person may have two accounts: a driver account for logging
hours of service and a supporting personnel account for managing the backend.
Are ELDs required to be interoperable?
No, the ELD Rule does not require interoperabilityone device does not need to have the capability to
transfer data from one ELD to another. As a minimal requirement, the driver would need to have
printed ELD records with them to reflect their previous seven days or manually add the hours of service
records from the previous seven days.

Exempt Driving Status
Is the ELD required to offer an exempt driver account?
There is no separate exempt driver account; rather, the ELD must allow for a driver account to be
configured as exempt by the carrier. The ELD must prompt

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